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Jefferson, Maryland

Folks,

I'm seeing a number of stalks develop small bumps, then a notch (almost like I would create for felling a tree), and then these stalks collapse, leaving the leaf on the ground.

Only my second year growing--it doesn't look good.

Could anyone offer insight?

Thanks,

Steve

7/13/2016 9:01:21 PM

Hanson Ma

Do you have a diary you can post pictures in?

7/13/2016 9:06:45 PM

Jefferson, Maryland

Just started one. Might take a while to post.

Thanks for your input.

7/13/2016 9:22:36 PM

Central NY

Get the premium membership...pics post right away...

7/13/2016 9:25:31 PM

Jefferson, Maryland

Thank you.

Gonna look into that right now.

7/13/2016 9:26:49 PM

Upa Creek, MO

How much sun do you get? I have this every year as do some others like Dale M. I used to suspect a calcium deficiency but I was too high in Cal this year according to soil test. My only theory for me is 5 hours (what I get) of light per day or growing in partial shade. My leaves tend to get up to 4 feet tall and many collapse, and sometimes the younger ones collapse while growing. I typically have between 40-60 staked up with bamboo and zip ties by season end.

7/13/2016 9:32:17 PM

Jefferson, Maryland

7-8 hours per day.

Does staking them work?

If so, work starts tomorrow.

7/13/2016 9:58:31 PM

Aurora

Steve, I think what you describe is thrips and/or aphids. Using neem oil and spinosad should do it, but garden maintenance is really critical. Keep weeds out of patch and do not place green compost directly near plant. I would also recommend trying Captain Jacks Dead Bug Brew which is a Bonide Product. If this is not strong enough, I have also used Seven and Bayer Advance as a foliar.

7/13/2016 9:59:03 PM

Aurora

Make your application in the late evening. I have noticed these bugs come out after dark and hide during light. What you describe is also seen in pea and kale crops.

7/13/2016 10:02:32 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Bamboo stakes and a tie will work for the damaged as long as intact or not torn all the way through. I get a series of notches as well that run vertical up the stalk. I have little insect pressure except for vine borers. And before anyone blows their lid, this is my own experience.

7/13/2016 10:15:16 PM

Muddy Waters

Potassium silicate will help weak stalks

7/13/2016 10:17:09 PM

Upa Creek, MO

And this is what happened to me today. Sorry if I had a tone above but this just F$n sucks.

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=260580

7/13/2016 11:16:06 PM

Walhalla, ND.

I saw your diary Smallmouth, that's to bad. I hope that isn't your only plant. I too would feel sick.

7/14/2016 9:44:37 AM

Central Minnesota

Smallmouth, that looks like my outside plants now. I have given up on any pattern anymore. Now just growing a mess of vines with a pumpkin attached. Most leaves are laying on the ground which will be a diseased mess in a month.

7/14/2016 1:31:46 PM

Rhode Island

Could be too much N. What are you feeding it?and how much?

I had the same thing happen a few years ago after I tryed to push the ferts.

7/14/2016 4:10:37 PM

San Diego

I think some plants just do this more than others. I was watering my son's plant today with a watering can. One leave just collapsed and snapped it's stalk from the water ontop, and it wasn't even a lot of water. I have had plants do this a lot on the past where they collapsed here or there too. Some years I don't have it happen at all. Every plant is different and kind of has it's own personality for strengths and weaknesses, just like growers. lol

7/14/2016 5:12:10 PM

Anchorage Alaska

I agree with luke , I would just stake the stalks pre collapse, on the stalks showing the indentations. they hold up a lot longer .. still not sure of the cause..........
luke sorry about the patch, ..it seems like it is always something , in this hobby

7/14/2016 9:06:53 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thanks guys and sorry to hear Scott. My 1921 had too many rolled vines to salvage. It took the brunt of the attack because it was such a big tall plant with massive leaves. We just got power back today due to many downed trees. I saved part of the 1533 that had a 15 DAP on it and staked up over 60 leaves until new growth emerges. Hoping for a porch kin for the kids.

7/14/2016 9:28:57 PM

Jefferson, Maryland

The stake job seems to be working, gents.

Really have a tiger by the tail here.

21 DAP, and it is sitting at 248" putting on 29 lbs a day.

Excited and terrified.

7/28/2016 11:45:56 PM